𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐒 𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋
The Cebu Provincial Government has rolled out a multi-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening Cebu’s position as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers through digital transformation, aggressive tourism promotion, and community-based capacity-building initiatives.
Provincial Tourism Officer Rowena Lu Montecillo said this includes digitalizing tourism data; actively participating in local and international travel fairs; and empowering communities near tourism sites through capacity-building programs that prepare residents for tourism-related livelihood opportunities.
These aligns, she added, with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s push to ensure that tourism growth translates into broader economic opportunities for local communities, particularly those situated near key tourism destinations.
DIGITAL TOURISM INITIATIVES
Montecillo said the province’s digitalization efforts include the development of an online booking system, digital advertising campaigns, and an interactive virtual map that will allow prospective visitors to explore Cebu’s tourism destinations before their actual visit.
Also set for launch is a fully functional and updated official tourism website that will feature organized tourism content, including destinations, products, and events, as well as downloadable materials and travel advisories.
The online booking system will initially be piloted in the municipalities of Alegria, Samboan, Ginatilan, and Malabuyoc, which are known for their river adventures and waterfall attractions, as well as in Oslob, a popular destination for whale shark watching.
STRONGER PRESENCE IN TRAVEL FAIRS
After years of absence, Cebu Province has reintroduced itself to major travel fairs to reconnect with tourism stakeholders, buyers, and industry partners.
Among the events attended were the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) at the Mactan Expo Center in January, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Expo at the SMX Convention Center in February, and the International Travel Festival 2026 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in March.
Participation in these events increased Cebu’s visibility in the tourism industry through international buyer engagement, the generation of valuable sales leads and business partnerships, and the promotion of Cebu’s thematic tourism circuits, including the Dive Cebu Tour, South Countryside Tour, Southern Pilgrimage Tour, Coastal Journey Tour, and Highland, Island and River Tours.
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM
Gov. Baricuatro continues to push for community-based tourism as a key component of the province’s tourism strategy. Since last year, the Provincial Tourism Office has conducted training programs for tourism workers across local government units with established and emerging tourism destinations.
“Of course, when tourism grows, livelihoods also grow — from our small businesses and transport sector, to the food industry and local communities,” Gov. Baricuatro said during the reopening of Oslob’s Mainit Port. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶 𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑪𝑵𝑼 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝑹𝒊𝒛𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏 & 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑳. 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒐, 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔
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